Raising it for Ronnie

My Dad, (Ron, Ronnie, Freddie to his family) was one of those blokes who were so decent. A kind, caring, genuine, hardworking fellow. He always had time to offer a hand or an ear. He always held a door open for a lady and never spoke a bad word in front of them. His involvement in the local Toowoomba community, where he and my Mum had their business, saw many people experience his friendly ways and genuine connection. He was well known and is greatly missed.

He was fit, happy, vital and full of life. Having cycled part of the Tour de France a few years earlier, he was an avid cyclist on the road and an experienced horse whisperer and rider on the land. 

He was a beloved grandfather to my four children, a caring and amazing father to myself and my sister and of course, a loving husband to my Mum for 43 years. 

But in 2019, right at the same time I was birthing my fourth child, his fourth grandchild, he was undergoing surgery for what the doctors assumed was a lymphoma. A mass that was detected on a routine bowel check - no symptoms otherwise.

Weeks went by after the surgery … no word. No news. No pathology or histology.

Then, out of nowhere we get the diagnosis - a rare and aggressive de-differentiated liposarcoma of the retroperitoneum. So rare, barely more than 100 people had ever had it in Australia and only 3 specialists had treated it.

A grim outlook, of 6-12 months of life - he fought hard but respectfully so. He continue to cycle for as long as he could, he attempted natural healing methods and surrendered in many ways to his fate. Peaceful in some ways about it all.

Within 16 months, he had passed. His body had lost its battle against these intrusive tumours and was set free. I held him in my arms as he passed and watched the moment his eyes and furrowed brow let go and were at peace.

He is deeply loved and deeply missed. 

It was during his illness, as a Naturopath myself, I realised just how little research and testing had been done and how little money is put towards this area of medicine. Finding only a handful of research papers on the trends and patterns of sarcoma. The survival rate for sarcoma of the extremities was high - up to 80% for 5 years or more however the statistics for those in the abdomen (particularly retroperitoneum - back and permeating connective tissues of the abdomen that kind of “hold your organs in place” and provide necessary blood and nerve supply) was quite low, not even reaching the 44% survival rate in 5 years. 

I remember when we spoke with the very talented Naturopath - Manuela Boyle from Cassia Wellness at the Gold Coast for his natural treatment of IV Vitamin C, hyperthermia and hyperbaric oxygen therapy - seeing her energetic response to his diagnosis and knowing she knew it wasn’t an easy one to work with because tumours are tricky buggers.

So, then we arrive to now. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I was nervous to do something like this - mostly because sarcoma doesn’t touch many peoples lives so why would they want to donate? But also because it, in many ways makes it even more finite that life is exactly that. 

How can we capture snippets of love, turn it into donations and raise money? Well, for that I am counting on you. In honour of my beautiful and kind Dad, I want to bring some much needed support to Sarcoma research in Australia & New Zealand.

What will I do? Other than share this message… 

ON AUGUST 15th 2022 - I WILL COMPLETELY SHAVE OFF MY ENTIRE HEAD OF LONG BROWN HAIR. This will mark 2 years since Dad left his earthly body. 

I am doing this in the hope that, firstly, a nearly 40 year old woman shaving her head may entice a donation purely for the sake of seeing it happening (lol) but also because I feel that having long hair is a luxury for me and something many people wish to have - especially those experiencing illness.

So, to add to the shave, I am only very lightly trimming my hair until the day to keep it healthy and any parts of my hair that are long enough to donate to “Hair With Heart” to make wigs for women or men or children who are undergoing cancer treatment will also be done. 

Therefore…. will you join me in making a difference? 

I'm raising money in aid of AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND SARCOMA ASSOCIATION LIMITED and every donation is greatly appreciated and will help. Big or small - is all gratefully received.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me and may you and your loved ones be safe and know deep peace.

All my love 

Jodie x

More information about AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND SARCOMA ASSOCIATION LIMITED: Formerly known as the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group, the Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA) is the peak body for sarcoma research, education and awareness; and dedicates 100% of its donations to high-quality sarcoma research and clinical trials to save and improve lives.